Battling on tax-cuts...

Here is the article from the Globe on the competing tax-cut proposals from Harper and Martin.

The decision is between a cut to the consumption tax (GST) which you get only if you spend money (and everyone spends money), and a cut to middle-class income taxes. In perspective note that some people (lower income) spend a greater percentage of their money on non-taxabale items (food, medical, etc.) than others and will reap little benefit from such a tax. Martin's proposal (via Goodale) will raise everyone's personal exemption, and lower the middle class tax brackets by a percentage point.

What I find important about Harper's proposal is not so much the policy idea but rather the pattern it is setting in the election. The Globe hits on this here:

It is the second day in a row the Conservative leader began with a major policy announcement — Wednesday he promised a new office of public prosecutions.

The strategy is an attempt to set the political agenda for the daily news cycle and to force the Liberals to react instead of following their own game plan.

Speaking with reporters, Mr. Harper said he will have more tax cut announcements throughout the course of the campaign.

That is the important piece. The Liberals need to recognize this and get in front of the Conservatives and even usurp a proposal or two to get control of the campaign agenda and consequently the news cycle.

If they don't they will be paying response and catch up the whole time and it will be a long 55 days.

A.L.